Decalcomania applying machine



Feb. 3, 1948.

J. D. KLOPFENS TEIN ET AL DECALCOMANIA APPLYING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 no m6 mm QQQQ ms 0K g Q9 Q9 n ma Feb 3, 1948. J. D. KLOPFENSTEIN ET AL 2,435,224

DECALCOMANIA APPLYING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 P aessefi r lg iez'n R Harr gi /we 1 3 g Q 0r, ,MQM

Feb. 3, 1948. J. D. KLOPFENST EIN ET AL 2,435,224

DECALCOMANIA APPLYING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 jnueziors ask ke Jesse fllilopfe i743um Feb. 3, 1948.

J. D. KLOPFENSTEIN ET AL 2,435,224

DECALCOMANIA APPLYING mcnmn Filed Juhe 18, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 f/wenz ons Jesse fllflopfen-siein C Ffdk/Be min / was.

Feb. 3, 1948.; J. D. KLOPFENSTEIN ET AL 2,435,224

DECALCOHANIA APPLYING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 //2 1 1/8 1/6 150 "/15 156 1/6 f ad 1? 5 5/ 129 Patented Feb. 3, 1948 DECALCOMANIA APPLYING MACHINE Jesse D. Klopfenstein and Harry 0. Rathke, Chicago, 111., asslgnors to The Meyer-cord Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application June 18, 1945, Serial No. 600,100

27 Claims. (Cl. 41-1) This invention relates to marking machines and more particularly to a machine adapted to apply decalcomanias or transfers securely and rapidly to a variety of articles such as a length of cable, hose or other objects.

Heretofcre, it had become the practice for various manufacturers of a variety of articles such as hose or electric cable having an outer insulationsheath of rubber or other material, to mark their products with labels of the decalcomania or transfer type bearing their name, trade-mark or other identifying data. Such articles were manufactured in large quantities in thousands of linear feet, all of which were required to be marked with labels at regular spaced intervals so that when out to varying desired lengths the manufacturers label would appear thereon. These transfers were necessarily applied when wet and required a minimum period of time to adhere to the article before their carrier paper could be pulled away. The decalcomania labels were at first applied manually to these articles but this was found to be not only tedious and time consuming and therefore expensive but also the workmanship of the operator was imperfect. Also his spacing of the transfer on the article tended to be irregular unless the points of application had been previously marked by hand or other means.

In light of the disadvantages of such manual application some previous attempts have been made to devise machinesby which the decalcomanias or transfers could be applied to such products more rapidly and more satisfactorily. However, such previous attempts have for one reason or another proven unsuccessful with the result that until the advent of the decalcomania applying machine comprising our invention, no machine or automatic means of applying decalcomanias had been found commercially acceptable in all respects. Some of these machines were not continuously operable in that it was necessary to stop them periodically to reload them with a new supply of decalcomanias, which stoppage necessarily reduced the speed of operation. With other machines it was necessary that the article be stationary at the time the decalcomania was being applied and that the article thereafter be moved ahead another interval before the next decalcomania could be applied. The waiting time for, such movement tended to reduce the overall speed and volume of machine and operator output. Still other machines failed because the decalcomanias were 2 applied in such a manner as to cause adherence to the product.

It is, therefore, one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide an improved machine adapted to mark various articles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine that is adapted to apply decalcomania transfers securely and rapidly to various articles.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine that is adapted to apply decalcomanias automatically and continuously to various articles without requiring stoppage of the machine for reloading of the decalcomanias..

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine that is adapted to automatically and continuously apply decalcomanias to a moving article or articles at spaced intervals.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved machine that is adapted to continuously apply decalcomanias to a moving electric cable or the like and to be operated by and in synchronism with the movement of said cable or the like.

A still further object is to provide an improved machine that is adapted to automatically and continuouslymark a moving article or articles at spaced intervals.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as this description progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a left side elevational view of the improved decalcomania applying machine comprising the invention with various parts thereof broken away or shown in broken lines;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the improved decalcomania applying machine;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the decalcomania applying machine;

Figure 4 is a right side elevational view of a portion of the decalcomania applying machine showing the gear mechanism by which intermittent lateral movement of the decalcomania carrier is accomplished;

Fig. 5 is a left side elevational view of the mechanical elements of the decalcomania applying machine by which movement of the deimperfect calcomania carrier from initial cable engagingposition to advanced cable engaging position and return is accomplished, and showing the relative position of such parts with the carrier in initial cable engaging position;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig. but

showing the relative position of the parts with the decalcomania carrier in advanced cable engaging position; Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the decalcomania carrier of the improved machine with a portion of the decalcomania paper broken away and various other parts thereof shown in .broken lines;

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of one of the decalcomania holders supported by the carrier;

Fig. 9 is a left side elevational view of one of the decalcomania holders of the carrier showing in solid lines the plates for retaining the decalcomania paper in position against the absorbent pad and in raised or reloading position in broken lines;

Fig. 10 is a vertical transverse sectional view of one of the decalcomania holders taken on the line Ill-l0 in Fig. 7 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 11 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of an end portion of a decalcomania holder taken on the line ll-ll of Fig. 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a strip of decalcomanias bearing a number of decalcomania labels to be transferred automatically from the paper to a cable by means of the improved machine comprising the present invention;

Fig. 13 is an elevational view of a broken length of cable after the decalcomanias have been afllxed thereto by the machine comprising the invention;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view of the L-shaped plate comprising a part of the carrier locking mechanism; and

Fig. 15 is an enlarged front elevat onal view of the locking plate illustrated in Fig, 14.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings, the improved decalcomania applying machine comprising the present invention is illustrated as mounted on a fiat horizontal bed or table supported in an elevated position by a plurality of legs 2|. The machine further comprises vertical side plates 22 and 23 at its right and left sides, as viewed from the front of the machine in Figs. 2 and 3, which plates are secured to the bed 20 and supported in vertical position by means of L-shaped and elongated angle irons 24. The side plates.22 and 23 which serve to support the various operating parts of the machine, as will be described more fully hereinafter, are braced in spaced relationship by a tie rod 26 as well as by various other cross shafts of the machine which will also be described.

Exteriorly of the left side plate 23 is a pulley wheel 21 fixed on the end of a rotatable shaft 28 for rotation therewith. The shaft 28 is supported intermediate its ends and exteriorly of the left side plate 23 by a bearing member 29 which is bolted to the upper portion of an angular supporting bracket 30. The bracket 30 is secured at its lower end portion to the lower portion of the side plate 23. The inner end of the shaft 28 is rotatably supported in the side plate 23 and, therefore, has a two point support by means of the bearing member 29 and the side plate 23. The shaft 28 is the drive shaft of the machine and is operated by rotation of the pulley 21 on its outer end.

The pulley 21 is of relatively large diameter and is provided with a circumferential groove 32 of such size as to snugly receive and be driven by a. length of electrical insulated wiring or cable 33 to which the decalcomania transfers are to be applied. As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1, the cable 33 is adapted to be pulled from a drum or storage spool 34, this drum 34 being rotatably supported at a higher elevation than the pulley 21. The cable 33 extends from the drum 34 downwardly in an inclined direction to the under side of the pulley 21 where it is received in driving relation within the pulley groove 32. From under the pulley 21 the cable 33 extends toward the front of the machine over the bed 20 in a substantially horizontal direction where it passes under a grooved guide roller 36 and thence through the channel of the elongated and adjustable die block or shoe 31. It is at this point when the cable 33 is passing over the shoe 31 that a decalcomania is aflixed to the cables outer surface by a movable decalcomania carrier indicated generally by the numeral 39. After receiving the decalcomania 38 the cable 33 passes to and is wound upon anothe: drum (not shown). This second drum may be rotata'bly driven by any suitable source of power (also not shown) with the result that the cable 33 itself is utilized to transmit rotatlve movement of the second drum and thereby to rotate the pulley 21 in a counterclockwise direction and hence effect operation of the entire decalcomania applying machine.

As the cable 33 passes under the pulley 2'! and causes counterclockwise rotation thereof, the drive shaft 28 of the machine also rotates in a counterclockwise direction as does a small gear 40 secured on the inner end of the shaft 28 exteriorly of the side plate 23 by means of a setscrew 41 extending through an integral gear hub 42. The gear 40 is inmeshing engagement with a larger gear 43 which is secured to the end of a rotatable shaft 44 exteriorly of the side plate 23 by a setscrew 46 extending through an integral hub 41 of the gear 43. The shaft 44 is the driven shaft of the machine and is supported for rotative movement by bearing members 48 and 49 secured in and extending through the side plates 23 and 22, respectively. The driven shaft 44 is of sufficient length so as to extend through and exterlorly of the side plates 22 and 23. The gear 43, and hence the shaft 44, are driven in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) by the gear 40 as the pulley 2'! is rotated.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, exteriorly of the side plate 22 on the end of the driven shaft 44 there is secured for rotatlve movement therewith a single toothed driver gear 50 of an intermittent gear mechanism of the Geneva type. The driver gear 50, which is fixed to the shaft 44 by a setscrew 5! extending through an integral gear hub 52, comprises a substantially pear-shaped plate 53, having a portion thereof cut away as at 55, and at the reduced end of which there is carried a projecting lug 56 which serves as the driver gear tooth. The driver gear 50 is adapted to mesh with an intermittent yoke gear 51 having four gear teeth which the single tooth 56 of the driver gear 50 engages. The radii of the enlarged portion of thegear 50 and of the concave outer faces 51a of the gear teeth of the yoke gear 51 are substantially the same so that for every rotation of the shaft 44' and the gear 50, the gear 51 will be turned only one quarter of a revolution in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 4). As the gear tooth 56 of the gear 50 rotates out of engagement with the teeth of the yoke gear 51 rotative movement of the yoke gear 51 ceases and does not again commence until the driver of a short' rotatable shaft 58, upon the end of which exteriorly of the right side plate 22 the yoke gear 51 is keyed. The short shaft 58 is supported for intermittent rotative movement by a bearin member 59 mounted in and extending through the right side plate 22. Fixed on the end of the intermittently rotatable shaft 58 interiorly of the side plate 22 by means of a setscrew 88a extending through the gear hub 88b is a small gear 88 which is in constant mesh with a larger gear 8|. The

larger gear 6| is fixed to a rotatable shaft 82 adjacent its end by means of a setscrew 63 extending through an integral gear hub 64. The shaft 82 is supported at its ends for rotative movement by bearing members 68 and 81 which are secured in the side plates 23 and 22, respectively. The shaft 82 also extends through a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending and transversely spaced rocking bars 68 and 89 which it supports through bearing members 18 and H, respectively. The rocking bars 88 and 69 are also braced in spaced relationship by a tie rod 12, which is secured to and extends between the inner or rear ends thereof, and by a cross plate 85 extending between and secured to the outer ends thereof.

Mounted on the shaft 62 between the rockin bars 88 and 58 is a relatively large metal drum 13 which is provided with hubs 14 and 18 at its respective ends through which set pins or screws 11 and 18,, respectively, extend into the shaft 62 so as to secure the drum 13 for intermittent rotative movement with the shaft 82. The rotatable drum 13 has cut in its outer surface a continuous channel or camway 19 which, as shown more particularly in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, extends on both sides of the drum 13 from a point adjacent one end of the drum 13 on the top side thereof to a point adjacent the opposite end of the drum 13 on the bottom side thereof.

Forwardly of the drum 13 and in the same hori zontal plane as the axis of rotation of the drum is slidable rod88 which is supported for slidable movement transversely of the machine by bearing members 8| and 82 secured in the longitudinal rocking bars 88 and 88, respectively. Similarly, a second slidable rod 83 is also mounted for slidable movement transversely of the machine in bearings 84 and 88 secured in-the longitudinal bars 88 and 89, respectively, adjacent their forward ends and forwardly of slidable rod 88. The slidable rods 88 and 83 extend in parallel relationship and in the same plane and .are adapted to be slidably moved intermittently as a unit and transversely-of the machine from one side to the other upon intermittent rotation of the drum 13. Each of the rods 88 and 83 extend beyond the exterior surfaces of the rocking bars 88 and 89 a sufllcient distance to insure that their ends cannot be withdrawn from their bearing members BI and 82 and 84 and 88, respectively, when they are moved to their extreme lateral positions on one side of the machine or the other.

maintained in fixed position thereon by a setscrew 88 and which has a roller 89 at its rearward end extending into the drum camway 18. Ex-

tending forwardly from and secured'to the forward end of the cam follower 81 is a vertically disposed arm 88 having a bifurcated forward end adapted to engage the rearward and upper and lower surfaces of the slidable rod 83. The bifurcated end portion of the arm 88 is confined between a pair of adjustable collars 92 and 93 carried on the slidable rod 83 and secured in proper position thereon by setscrews 94 and 98, respectively. By this latter structure, as the drum 13 is rotated clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 1, with an intermittent motion effected by the Geneva gear arrangement heretofore described through the shaft 58, the small gear 68, the large gear GI, and the shaft 82, the slidable rods 88 and 83 will slide to the right (as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3) also with an intermittent movement, the follower 81 being forced to the right as the roller 89 progresses to the right in the camway 13.

This intermittent slidable transverse movement of the rod'83 from one lateral position to another effects intermittent transverse movement of the decalcomania carrier 38 from one decalcomania applying position to' the next succeeding one,

since the decalcomania carrier 39 is carried at the left end of the slidable rod 83 for intermittent lateral movement therewith. Secured on the respective ends of the slidable rod 83 are depending end plates 91 and 88, these plates also being connected by and fixed on the ends of a slidable rod 98 which extends below and in spaced parallel relationship to the. slidable rod 83. In the lower portion of the end plate 91 and extending outwardly therefrom there is secured a fixed elongated shaft I88 upon which the decalcomania carrier 38 is rotatably supported.

The decalcomania carrier 39, shown particularly in Figs. 1, 3 and '1 to 11, inclusive, of the drawings, comprises a pair of end plates IM and I82, in the central portions of which are secured bearing members I8Ia and I82a, respectively, through which the shaft I88 extends.

structure the movable carrier 39 is rotatably supported on the fixed shaft I88 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. Extending between the two end plates MI and I92 is a bracing cylinder or drum I83 having secured on its respective ends rectangular and vertically disposed plates I 84 and I88 which in turn are bolted to the inner surfaces of the end plates Ni and I82, respectively. The shaft I88 extends through and is enclosed by the bracing cylinder I83. Also secured to and extending between the inner faces of the end plates IN and I82 at their upper and lower portions are flanged brace plates I81 and I 88, respectively, these brace plates I81 and I88 and the bracing cylinder I83 serving to provide a movable decalcomania carrier 38 with strength and rigidity sufficient to perform its intended functional operations.

The movable carrier 89 further comprises decalcomania holders I89 and II8 which are detachably secured to the outer surfaces of the top and bottom brace" plates I81 and I88, respectively, these holders I89 and H8 being of identical construction. ,Hence, for the purposes of this description, detailed references will be made only to the upper decalcomania holder I89 of the movable carrier 38. As shown in Fig. 10, the brace plate I81 is provided on its upper surface with two spaced upstanding and L-shaped lugs III which engage two retaining pins I I2 and H3 extending transversely of and on the under side of the decalcomania holder I89. A heavy wire mesh framework Ill in the shape of a channel or a wide inverted U extends substantially the full By this length of the holder I09, and over and enclosing the outer surface of this framework H4 is an absorbent pad H6 which may be composed of sponge rubber or other suitable absorbent material. By this construction water may enter the rubber pad H6 through the wire framework II4. Secured to and enclosing the downwardly extending side edges of the sponge rubber pad H6 are elongated and longitudinally extending metal clips H1 and H8, and the retaining cross pins H2 and H8 extend through these metal clips H1 and H8 and through the lower portion of the wire frame H4 so as to retain the wire framework H4 and the sponge rubber pad II 6 in properly assembled relation.

The respective ends of the wire mesh frame I I4 are secured to and closed by inwardly flanged end plates H9 and I20 and at the bottom of the outer vertical faces of these plates H9 and I20 there are horizontally extending bars I2I and I22 secured thereto by means of pins I23 and I24, respectively. The bar I2I i engaged on its outer surface by a holding clip I25 which is pivotally secured to the end plate IN and is adapted to be turned into and out of holding engagement with the bar I2I. The holding clip I25 prevents longitudinal movement of the decalcomania holders I09 and I I and retains them in secured position with the cross pins H2 and H3 under the retaining lugs HI,

On the left ends of the bars I2I and I22 are secured upstanding lugs I26 and I21 to which is pivoted a clamping'or retaining frame adapted to hold in operative position the paper strip I28 upon which a plurality of decalcomanias 38 are carried. This clamping frame comprises two bars I29 and I30 at the respective ends of the holder which are pivoted at their left ends (as viewed in Figs. 9 and to the upstanding lugs I26 and I21, respectively, by bolts I3I and I32 extending through the ends of the bars I29 and I30 and the upstanding lugs I26 and I21, respectively. The clamping frame also comprises two elongated retaining plates I33 and I34, angularly shaped in cross section, the plate I34 being permanently secured to the top surfaces of the right ends of the bars I29 and I30 and the plate I33 being provided with side Walls I33a and I33b through which the pivot bolts I3I and I32, respectively, extend. The nuts I36 and I31 on the bolts I3I and I32, respectively, serve to retain the foregoing parts in pivoted assembly. The retaining plate I 33 has a scalloped edge I33c at its inner longitudinal side, the position of the scallops corresponding to the proper positions for the transfer labels 38 on the paper I28. The retaining plates I 33 and I34 are shown in closed operable paper holding position by the full lines in Fig. 9, the longitudinal side edges of the decalcomania paper I 28 being pressed down against the rubber pad I I6 by the inner longitudinal side portionsof the retaining plates I33 and I34. By the broken lines in Fig. 9, the clamping frame is shown in open position to which it may be pivoted by the operator when it is desired to reload the decalcomania holders I09 and H0 with a new strip of paper I28 containing the decalcomanias 38.

When a strip of decalcomania paper I 28 has been placed in proper position over the water saturated sponge rubber pad H6, each of the decalcomanias 38 will be directly over three transversely aligned openings I36 extending through the sponge rubber pad I I6. These openings I36 serve as wells or points of water concentration in direct contact with the areas of the paper strip I28 carrying the decalcomanias 38 and to which small quantities of water may run or be pressed from the body of the rubber pad H6 as it is slightly compressed during contact of the decalcomania paper I28 on the carrier 39 with the moving cable 33,

The paper retaining frame of each holder I09 and H0 is held in locked down operableposition by notched and releasable spring clips I31 and I38 secured at their lower ends to the side bars i2I and I22, respectively, and which engage the right ends of the pivoted bars I29 and I30 of the paper retaining frame. However, as shown in Figs. '1 and 10 of the drawings, the plates I33 and I34 are locked down against the tension of two elongated springs I39 and I40 which are secured at their inner ends on the under side of the retaining plate I33 to nut and bolt mountings HI and I42, respectively. These springs I39 and I40 extend outwardly in opposite directions from their mountings HI and I42 and project through slots in the side walls I33a and I33b of the retaining plate I 33 and through openings I43 in the pivoted bars I29 and I30, respectively. When the operator desires to reload the decalcomania holder I09 or IIO after all the decalcomanias 38 have been removed from the paper I28, the spring clips I31 and I38 may be forced outwardl out of engagement with the pivoted bars I29 and I30, and under the urge of the springs I39 and I40, the bars I29 and I 30 and the retaining plate I33 are raised a sufllcient distance to permit the plate I 33 to be readily grasped by the operator, who completes the movement of the retaining frame to the fully open position shown in Fig. 9. The exhausted strip I28 may be removed and replaced by a. fresh strip bearing a full complement of decalcomrnias 38.

The decalcomanias 38 are applied to the cable 33 from the decalcomania holder on the bottom of the carriage 39, and when all of the transfers 38 are exhausted from the strip I28, the operator releases a locking mechanism and rotates the entire decalcomania carrier 39 a one-half turn about the shaft I00. This rotation of the carrier 39 brings the other decalcomania holder having a fresh strip I28 of decalcomanias into operable position and pla:es the exhausted decalcomania holder in convenient and accessible position at the top of the movable carrier 39 for removal and reloading with a new decalcomania strip. The locking mechanism, shown more particularly in Figs. 3, l4 and 15 of the drawings, comprises a pair of plunger rods I44 and I46 which extend longitudinally of the movable carrier 39 in parallel relationship with and on either side of the bracing cylinder I03, and also extend through and are supported by the carrier end plates IIII and I02. These plunger rods I44 and I46 are provided with knobs I41 and I48 exteriorly of the end plate IOI and they are maintained in proper extended locking position by helical springs I49 and I50 mounted on the plunger rods I44 and I46, respectively, and confined thereon between collars I5I and I52, fixed on the rods I44 and I46, and bushings I53 and I54, respectively, which are secured to the inner face of the end plate I M and engaging the plunger rods I44 and I46.

As shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, it is the upper plunger rod I44 that locks the movable carrier 39 in fixed operable position against rotative movement about the shaft I 00. The right end of the plunger rod I44, which projects beyond the end plate I02, extends into an opening I56 in an L-shaped plate member I51 (shown in the inner end of the other plunger rod I48 engages in a tapered cainway I58 cut from the inne'redge of the plate I51 to a point adjacent the opening I58. As rotative movement is continued, the inner end of theplunger rod I48 rides up the camway I58, causing-the rod I48 to be retracted against the urge of the spring I58 until the opening I58 is reached and into which the end of the rod I48 is forced and held by the spring I58. Thus, the operator, upon release of one plunger rod from locking position, may rotate the carrier 39 rapidly and the other plunger to its initial cable contacting position of Fig. 5,

rod will automatically be guided by the camway I58 into locking position inthe opening I58.

In Figs. 1, 5 and 6 of the drawings, the movable decalcomania carrier 39 is shown in several of its various positions through which it is moved during its cycle of operation. In Fig. 5 the car-'- rier 39 is-shown in its initial tilted position as it is first lowered into contact against the cable 33 with the particular decalcomania 38 to be applied during that particular cycle pressed into engagement with the upper surface of the cable 33. As the cable 33 moves to the right as viewed in Figs. 5 and 6, the carriage 39 is rocked in a counterclockwise direction and moved forwardly by a mechanism to be described hereinafter, at the same rate of speed as the cable 33 so that the decalcomania 38 is caused to remain in engagement with the same area of initial contact on the cable 33 throughout the transfer period. Since the machine is driven by the movement of the cable 33, the rate of speed of the rocking movement of the carriage 39 as it follows along in contact with the cable 33 is directly dependent on or is synchronized with the rate of speed of the cable 33. However, the rate of speed of the cable 33 should be such as to allow sufilcient time for the decalcomania 38 to become sufiiciently adhered to the cable 33 before contact between the carrier 39 and the cable 33 is progressively broken off in advanced position so that it will freely leave the paper strip I28 and remain adhered to the cable 33.

In Fig. 6 the movable carrier 39 is shown as it approaches its advanced cable contacting position with the right side thereof beginning to leave the cable 33 but before it finally breaks off contact therewith. As soon as it reaches its extreme advanced position, the carrier 39 is then completely lifted, by a mechanism to be described hereinafter, to the position illustrated in Fig. 1, the decalcomania 38 separating from the paper strip I28 and remaining adhered to the cable 33. Upon being lifted, the carrier 39 is moved backwardly and rocked in a clockwise direction until it is returned to its starting position, having completed a cycle of operation, from where it begins immediately without stopping on its next cycle of operation for application of the next succeeding decalcomania 38 on the strip I28.

All during the return cycle of the carrier 39 from its advanced position where it finally breaks oil contact with the cable 33 and until it returns the cable 33 continues to move to the right under the carrier 39, with the result that the decalcomanias 38 are applied to the moving cable 33 in spaced relationship of approximately ten feet apart. The parts of the machine, however, may be so adjusted and arranged as to vary the spacing of the decalcomanias 38 on the cable 33. Also, during thereturn cycle to initial cable contacting position, the carrier 38 is also moved laterally-one space by the intermittent mechanism previously described so as to bring the next succeeding decalcomania 38 intoproper operable position in alignment with the cable 33.

In order to effect movement of the carrier 38 through the above described cycle of operation, the following mechanism has been provided. A cam I59 is secured by a setscrew I59a extending through the cam hub to the driven shaft 44 for rotation therewith. The camI59 is in constant engagement with a roller I88, carried on a vertically disposed lever I8I intermediate its ends, the upper end of the lever I8I being pivoted to a supporting bracket I82 secured to the inner face of the side plate 23 at its upper portion, and the lower end of the lever I8I being pivotally connected with the rear end of a horizontally and longitudinally extending arm I83 which is supported near its forward end by the rod 99 extending therethrough. The extreme forward end of the arm I83 extends for slidable movement through a slot I84 in the lower end of a small depending plate I88 secured'to the outer face of the cross bar 85 at its left side, as viewed in Fig. 2.

The roller I68 is shown in Fig. 5 as being in engagement with the low point I59a on the cam I59 at which position the arm I83 is in its rearward position. However, as the cam continues to rotate in a clockwise direction, the roller I88 is forced forwardly until the high point I8'I of the cam I59 is reached. As the roller I88 is forced forwardly, the lever I8I is rocked forwardly in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot point I82 thereby moving the arm I83 forwardly. Since the carrier supporting plate 91 is secured and partially supported on the laterally slidable rod 99 which extends through the arm I83, forward movement of the arm I63 causes the carrier 39 and slidable rod 83 to rock in a counterclockwise direction, thus permitting the decalcomania holder I I8 at the lower side of the carrier 39 to follow along in unbroken contact with the cable 33. The slidable rod 83 remains in operable engagement with the cam follower 81 but turns within the bifurcated end portion of its forwardly extending arm 98.

In order to maintain the slidable shaft 83 at the proper radial distance from the upper surface of the cable 33 for'proper operation of the carrier 39 during rocking movement and in order to raise the carriage 39 entirely out of contact with the cable 33 and return it to initial cable contacting position, there are provided a pair of identically shaped cams I88 and I89 spaced apart and fixed on the driven shaft 44 by setscrews I88a and I59a, respectively, extending through the hubs of the cams I88 and I89. These cams I88 and I89 are in constant engagement with rollers I18 and III respectively, carried on the tie rod I2 below the cams I88 and I89. In Fig. 5, where the decalcomania carriers!) is in its initial cable contacting position, the roller I18 is in engagement with the central portion I88a of the straight face of the cam I88, this being the lowest point 11 on the cam face. Likewise, the relative position of the roller I1 I with respect to the cam I69 is also the same since the operation of these respective cams and rollers is identical.

Upon rotation of the cam I68 in a clockwise direction, the roller I is forced downwardly as it approaches the high point I68b of the cam I68, which high point I66b is the entire circular face thereof. When. the roller I10 is forced downwardly by the cam I66, as well as the roller I1I by its cam I69, the longitudinal rocking bars 68 and 69 are caused to be pushed downwardly at their rear ends and upwardly at their front ends, the bars 68 and 69 rocking about the shaft 62. As the front ends of the rocking bars 68 and 69 are raised, the carrier 39, which is supported by the slidable rod.83 extendingthrough the bars 68 and 69, is also raised somewhat. When the high circumferential points of the cams I68 and I69 engage the rollers I10 and HI, the carrier 39 has then been lifted a considerable distance away from the cable 33, as shown in Fig. 1. As the cams I68 and I69 continue their rotation, the rollers I10 and HI again contact the straight portions thereof and at that time the carrier is again lowered until the rollers I10 and HI are again in contact with the low cam points at the centers of the straight faces of the cams I68 and I69.

In order to return the decalcomania carrier 39 to its initial rearward position shown in Fig. 5, there is provided a relatively heavy spring I12, the forward end of which is hooked to the arm I63 intermediate its ends and the rearward end of which is hooked to a lug I13 secured to the lower end portion of the inner face of the left side plate 23. Under the urge of the spring I12, the roller I60 is maintained in constant engagement with the cam I59 so that as the cam I59 rotates the roller I60 is forced backwardly against the lowerst cam point I 5911, the arm I63 thus being retracted and the carrier 39 rocked in a clockwise direction. The relationship of the cam I59 and the cams I68 and I69 is such that the carrier 39 is pulled back only when it has broken off contact with the cable 33.

The shoe 31, through which the cable 33 passes as it moves under the carrier 39, is mounted on an elongated supported plate I15 which is pivoted for vertical movement at its rearward end to the rearward end of an elongated and channelshaped member I16 by a pivot pin I11. The channel member I16 is also pivoted for lateral movement to the bed at its rearward end by a bolt I16 and at its forward end it is adapted to be moved laterally to the right or to the left (as viewed in Fig. 3) by means of an adjusting screw I19. This screw I19 extends laterally through an upstanding bracket I80 fixed to the bed 20 and its end is secured to the channel member I16. By turning the screw I19 one way or the other lateral movement of the forward end of the channel member I16 and the shoe 31 to the right or to the left may be effected so as to properly align the channel of the shoe 31 with the pulley 21 and the cable 33. The guide roller 36 is supported on an upstanding bracket 36a which is fixed to the channel member I16 and thus upon aligning movement of the channel I16 corresponding aligning movement of the guide roller 36 is also effected.

The shoe 31 is also adapted to be moved vertically by means of an adjustingscrew I8I which extends vertically up through the forward ends of the channel member I16 and the shoe supporting plate I15, the screw I8I being in threaded engagement with the plate I15. The screw I8I has a retaining collar I 82 on its upper end and a helical spring I 83 encircling its intermediate portion and confined between the supporting plate I16 and the channel member I16. The shoe supporting plate I15, therefore, is yieldabiy supported or cushioned at its forward end by the spring I83 and consequently by vertical adjustment thereof by means of the screw II, the proper degree of contacting pressure may be maintained at all times and with different sizes of cable between the moving cable 33 and the carrier 39. 1

By the foregoing arrangement of parts, we have provided an improved marking machine that is simple and efiicient in operation and by which decalcomanias may be continuously and rapidly applied to a moving cable 33 or a variety of other objects without interruption. In preparing the machine for operation, the operator first places a strip of paper I26 bearing a full complement of decalcomanias 38 in proper position on the rubber pad I I6 and under the retaining plates I33 and I34 in each of the decalcomania holders I09 and H0, then immerses the separated holders I09 and I I0 in water and finally secures them to the retaining lugs III at the top and bottom of the carrier 39. The machine may then be adjusted by manual rotation of the pulley 21 until the roller 89 of the followed 81 assumes a position at either the extreme right or extreme left points of the drum camway 19. In either of such positions, the carrier 39 will be in either extreme right or left position with either the extreme right or left hand decalcomanias 36 of the strip I26 in proper aligned position directly over the cable 33. The cable 33 may then be placed in operable engagement with the pulley 21 and the motor driven drum (not shown) set in rotation. Even the lead portion of the cable 33 before it is connected to the driven drum may be pulled through by hand under the pulley 21 and the carrier 39, so as to set the machine in operation with the manual source of power and to mark the lead portion of the cable 33 as well.

As the cable 33 is pulled off the drum 34 at an even rate of speed and under the pulley 21 and the decalcomania carrier 39, the machine is set in operation. The carrier 39 is moved intermittently into engagement with the moving cable 33 so as to apply decalcomanias thereto at regular intervals. The lower decalcomania holder of the carrier 39, by means of the cams I59, I68 and I69, is caused to engage initially the cable 33 with a decalcomania 38 pressed into intimate engagement with the upper cable surface and then to follow along with the moving cable 33 without breaking away from the point of initial contact until the decalcomania 38 has had sufficient time to become adhered to the cable 33. Then, by means of the cams I68 and I69 and the spring I12, the carrier 39 is lifted or rocked out of engagement with the cable 33 and returned to its initial position of Fig. 5 in decalcomania applying position and in contact with the next following portion of the moving cable 33 to be marked. During this return movement, the carriage 39, by means of the intermittent movement of the follower roller 69 in the camway 19 of the drum 13, is also caused to mo ve laterally one step so as to place the next decalcomania 38 in proper aligned position over the cable 33 before the carrier 36 is moved down into engagement therewith.

When the strip I26 on the bottom of the carrier 39 becomes exhausted of decalcomanias 33 and the carrier 39 is in its return cycle, the operator may grasp the upper knob I" of the carriage, pull out the rod I from locking engagement with the plate opening I58, and then quickly spin the carrier 39 a, half revolution about its supporting pivot IIIII in a clockwise direction, the rod I48 automatically slipping into the retainin opening I56 through thecamway I58 without requiring slower manipulation by the operator. This half revolution of the carrier 39 is accomplished almost instantaneously without disturbing the lateral and return movement of the carrier 39 and in ample time before it is lowered into decalcomania applying contact with the cable 33. As the machine continues to operate upon continued movement of the cable 33 and the decalcomanias are being applied to the cable 33 from the fresh strip of decalcomanias of the other holder, the operator may turn the holding clip I25 out of engagement with the holder bar III and remove that top holder from the top of the carrier 39. Since the extent of rocking movement at the top of the carrier 39 is relatively slight, the operator may easily accomplish this removal and also the later replacement of the holder without stopping the machine. After the top holder has been removed from the top of the carrier 39, the operator may then spread the spring clips I31 and I38 to release the retaining plates I33 and I34 and raise them to the position shown in Fig. 9. A fresh strip of decalcomanias may then be laid over the rubber pad IIS and the retaining plates I33 and I34 lowered into engagement therewith. Then the entire holder with its new strip of decalcomanias may be immersed in water for the requisite period of time, the water penetrating into and saturating the sponge rubber pad IIIi through the supporting wire mesh II4. After this immersion the holder may finally be replaced on the top of the carrier 39 in secured position and ready to be turned around to the bottom operable position upon exhaustion of the decalcomanias on the holder then in operation.

Although we have set forth one form of marking or decalcomania applying machine comprising my invention, it is to be understood that changes in details of construction and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For instance, the machine may be utilized to apply decalcomanias to separate individual articles, rather than to a continuous flexible elongatedarticle, by having the individual articles carried under the carrier 39 on a suitable conveyor or otherwise and by having the machine driven by the moving conveyor or by a different source of power and drive means. Also, for instance, the machine may be utilized to mark articles by other means rather than by decalcomanias, such as by branding, whereby the movable carrier 39 could be equipped with a heated marking element which could be used to engage the moving article and remain in unbroken contact therewith for a sufficiently long period to effect proper branding.

We claim:

1. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry decalcomanias for application to an article and also adapted to be moved initially into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, said carrier including an absorbent member adapted to be moistened and to closely engage and support a sheet of decalcomanias, means for supporting said absorbent member and retaining means adapted to engage and hold a sheet of decalcomanias in close engagement with said moistened member, means for moving said carrier into transferring engagement with said moving article, 'means for moving and maintaining said carrier in constant transferring engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, and means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article.

2. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable pressure carrier adapted to carry a sheet bearing a plurality of decalcomanias and to be moved into pressing engagement with and along with said article and then out of engagement with said article, said carrier also being adapted to be moved in another direction relative to the article to bring another decalcomania on the carrier into aligned operable position, means for moving said carrier into initial position in transferring engagement with said moving article. one of said docalcomanias being in aligned position on the carrier for engagement with the moving article, means for moving and maintaining said carrier in constant engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article in advanced position, means for returning said carrier for movement to initial position, and means for moving said carrier in said other direction when the carrier is out of article-engaging position whereby another decalcomania on the carrier may be brought into aligned operable position.

3. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a. movable pressure carrier adapted to carry a sheet bearing a p1u-' rality of decalcomanias and to be moved into pressing engagement with and along with said article and then out of engagement with said article, the said decalcomanias being arranged on said carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said article and the said carrier also bein adapted to be moved across the path of movement of the article, means for moving said carrier into initial position in transferring engagement with said moving article, one of said decalcomanias being in aligned position on the carrier for engagement with the article, means for moving and maintaining said carrier in constant transferring engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article in advanced position, means for returning said carrier for movement to initial position, and means for moving said carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said moving article when the carrier is out of article-engaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned operable position for engagement with an article.

4. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a pluralityof decalcomanias for successive application to an article and also adapted to be moved initially into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, means for moving said carrier into transferring engagement with said moving article, means for moving and maintaining said carrierin constant transferring engagement with saidmoving article during the transfer period, means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article and means operably connected with said moving article and also operably connected in driving relation to all of the above said means and carrier whereby said machine is driven by the article as said article moves relative to the machine.

5. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable decalcomania carrier, means pivotally supporting said carrier, a plurality of decalcomania holders mounted on said carrier in spaced relationship and adapted to be moved into operable position for engagement with said moving article, releasable locking means for locking said carrier in a plurality of ivoted positions and adapted to be released to permit rotation of said carrier whereby each of the decalcomania holders may be brought successively into proper operable position for engagement with the moving article. said carrier also being adapted to be moved initially into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, means for moving said carrier into transferring engagement with said moving article, means for moving and maintaining said carrier in constant transferring engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, and means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article.

6. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable pressure carrier adapted to carry a sheet bearing a plurality f decalcomanias for successive application to an article and also to be moved into pressing engagement with the article, maintained in constant engagement with said moving article during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, the said decalcomanias being arranged on said carrier across the path of movement of said article and the said carrier also being adapted to be moved in a direction across the path of movement of said article, cam means operably connected with said carrier and adapted to move said carrier into transferring engagement and along with said moving article thereby maintaining said carrier and said article in constant engagement during the transfer period, cam means also operably connected with said carrier for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article and intermittently operable cam means operably connected with the carrier for intermittently moving the carrier across the ath of movement of the moving article when the carrier is out of article-engaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned operable position for engagement with an article upon further operation of the machine.

7. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable decalcomania carrier, movable means pivotally supporting said carrier, a plurality of decalcomania holders mounted on said carrier in spaced relationship and adapted to be moved into proper operable position for engagement with said moving article, releasable locking means for locking said carrier in a plurality of positions relative to its supporting means for movement therewith, means for moving said carrier supporting means to effect movement of carrier into initial engagement with said moving article, means for moving said carrier supporting means to effect movement of the carrier and maintain said carrier in constant engagement with said moving article to an ad vanced position, means for moving said carrier supporting means to move the carrier out of engagement with said article and return it to initial article-engaging position, said carrier locking means being adapted to be released to permit rotation of said carrier relative to its supporting means whereby during operation of the machine each of the carrier holders may be brought successively into and locked in operable position for engagement with the moving article.

8. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a movable elongated flexible article comprising a carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to the article and also adapted to be moved initially into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, a pulley adapted to be engaged and driven by said elongated flexible article upon movement of said article relative to the machine, a rotatable shaft operably connected with and driven by said pulley,

-means operably connected with said shaft and erably connected with the shaft and adapted to move and maintain said carrier in constant transferrin engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, and means also operably connected with said shaft and adapted to move said carrier out of engagement with said moving article.

9. A machine for applying decalcomania-s to a movable elongated flexible article comprising a carrier adapted to carry a, plurality of decalcomanias for successive application to the article and also adapted to be moved initially into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, the said decalcomanias being arranged on said carrier across the path of movement of said article and said carrier also being adapted to be moved across the path of movement of the article, a pulley adapted to be engaged and driven by said elongated flexible article upon movement of said article relative to the machine, a rotatable shaft operably connected with and driven by said pulley, means operably connected with said shaft and adapted to move said carrier into transferring engagement with the moving article, means operably connected with the shaft and adapted to move and maintain said carrier in constant transferring engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, means also operably connected with said shaft and adapted to move said carrier out of engagement with said moving article, and means also operably connected with said shaft and adapted to move said carrier in a direction across the path ofmovement of said movable article when the carrier is out of article engaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned operable position for engagement with an article.

10. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable pressure carrier adapted to carry a sheet bearing plurality of decalcomanias and to be moved into and from transferring engagement with the article and moved in'another direction relative to the article to bring another decalcomania into operable position, means for moving aid carrier into transferring engagement with said article with one of said decalcomanias in direct engagement therewith,

means for maintaining said carrier in constant engagement with said article for the transfer period, means for moving the carrier out of engagement with said article, and means for moving said carrier in said other direction when the carrier is out of article-engaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned operable position.

11. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable decalcomania carrier, mean pivotally supporting said carrier, a plurality of decalcomania holders mounted on said carrier in spaced relationship and adapted to be moved into operable position for engagement with said article, releasable locking means for locking said carrier in a plurality of pivoted positions and adapted to be released to permit rotation of said carrier whereby each of the decalcomania holders may be brought successively into operable position for engagement with the moving article, means for moving said carrier in'to transferring engagement with said article, means for maintainingsaid carrier in constant engagement with said article for the transfer period, and means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article;

12. A decalcomania carrier for applying decalcomanias to article comprising anabsorbent pad adapted to be moistened and to closely engage and support a sheet of decalcomanias, means for supporting said absorbent pad and retaining means adapted to engage the sheet of decal-' comanias at its marginal portions only and to hold the sheet of decalcomanias in close' engagement with said moistened pad and to be disengaged from said sheet to permit the insertion of another sheet of decalcomanias.

13. A decalcomania carrier for applying decalcomanias to articles comprising an absorbent pad adapted to be moistened and to closely engage and support a sheet bearing a plurality of decalcomanias, said pad being provided at points on its area adjacent each of said decalcomanias with one or more wells extending into the body portion thereof for the concentration of moisture, means for supporting said absorbent pad and releasable retaining means adapted to engage and hold the sheet of decalcomanias in close engagement with said moistened pad and to be disengaged from said sheet to permit the insertion of another sheet of decalcomanias.

14. A decalcomania carrier for applying decalcomanias to articles comprising an elongated absorbent pad adapted to be moistened and to closely engage and support a strip bearing a plurality of decalcomanias, an elongated and perforated supporting member adapted to underlie and support said absorbent pad, retaining means pivoted to one side of said supporting member and comprising an elogated retaining plate on each of its longitudinal sides adapted to engage the longitudinal side portions of said strip, and

releasable latching means adapted to engage and hold said retaining means in operable engagement with said strip and adapted to be disengaged from said retaining means to permit pivotal movement of said retaining means out of engagement with said strip for reloading of another strip.

15. A decalcomania carrier for applying decalcomanias to articles comprising a main supporting member, a bracket member pivotally mounted on said main supporting member, a plurality of decalcomania holders carried by said bracket member in spaced relationship and adapted to be moved to proper operable position -ticle.

for engagement with an article upon rotation of said pivoted bracket, each of said holders comprising an absorbent pad adapted to be moistened and to closely engage and support a sheet of decalcomanias, and retaining means adapted to engage and hold the sheet of decalcomanias in close engagement with said moistened pad, releasable locking means for locking said bracket member in a plurality of positions for operably positioning said holders, and adapted to be released to permit rotation of said bracket member whereby each of the holders may be brought successively to and locked in operable position.

16. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to an article and also adapted to be moved initially'into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, means for moving said carrier into initial transferring engagement with said moving article so that the advanced portion of the carrier is positioned against the article with an advanced portion of the decalcomania in engagement with a surface of the moving article, means for moving said carrier along with said moving article in a path of movement parallel thereto and maintaining it in constant transferring engagement with said article during the transfer period, means for effecting additional movement ofthecarrier asitmoves along with said article so that the remaining portions of the decalcomania on the rearward portion of the carrier are caused to progressively engage the surface of the moving article and the advanced portion of the carrier is progressively lifted leaving the advanced portion of the decalcomania in adhering engagement with the moving article, and means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article after the rearward portion of the carrier and the rearward portion of the decalcomania have been engaged with the article.

17. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to an article and also adapted to be moved initially into engagement with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then moved out of engagement therewith, means for moving said carrier into initial transferring engagement with said moving article so that the advanced portion of the carrier is positioned against the article with an advanced portion of the decalcomania in engagement with a surface of the moving article, means for moving said carrier along with said moving article in a path of movement parallel thereto and maintaining it in constant transferring engagement with said article during the transfer period, means for rocking the carrier from its advanced portion to its rearward portion against the article as it moves along with said article so that the remaining portions of the decalcomania on the rearward portion of the carrier are caused to progressively engage the surface of the moving article and the advanced portion of the carrier is progressively lifted leaving the advanced portion of the decalcomania in adhering engagement with the moving article, and means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article after the rearward portion of the carrier and the rearward portion of the decalcomania have been engaged with the ar- 18. A machine for applying decalcomanias to 'an article comprising a movable carrier adaptt ed to carry a plurality of decalcomanias for application to an article and also adapted to become engaged with the article, maintained in pressed engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, the said decalcomanias being arranged on the carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said article and said carrier also being adapted to be moi ed across the path of movement of the article, means for effecting initial transferring engagement between said carrier and said article so that one side of the carrier is positioned against the article with a portion of the decalcomania in pressed engagement with the surface of the article, means for rocking said carrier from said one side to its other side against said article to provide a rocking contact between said carrier and said article during said transferring engagement so that the other side portion of the carrier with the remaining portion of the decalcomania is caused to become progressively engaged with the surface of the article and the said one side of the carrier is caused to progressively break off Dressing engagement with the article, means for effecting disengagement between said carrier and the article when said carrier has been rocked to the extremity of its said other side, and means for effecting movement of said carrier in a direction across the path of movement of the article when the carrier is out of article-engaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned operable position for engagement with an article.

19. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to a moving article and also adapted to become enaged with the article, maintained in pressed engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, means for effecting initial transferring engagement between said carrier and said article so that one side of the carrier is positioned against the article with a portion of the decalcomania in pressed engagement with the surface of the article, means for moving said carrier along with said moving article in a path of movement parallel thereto and maintaining it in engagement with the surface of said article during the transfer period, means for rocking said carrier from said one side to its other side against said article to provide a rocking contact between said carrier and said article during said transferring engagement so that the other side portion of the carrier with the remaining portion of the decalcomania is caused to become progressively engaged with the surface of the article and the said one side of the carrier is caused to progressively break off pressing engagement with the article, and means for effecting disengagement between said carrier and the article when said carrier has been rocked to the extremity of its said other side.

20. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to a moving article and also adapted to become enaged with the article, maintained in pressed engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, means for moving said carrier into initial transferring engagement with said article so that one side of the carrier is positioned against the article with a portion of the decalcomania in pressed engagement with the surface of the article, means for moving said carrier along with said moving article in a path or movement parallel thereto and maintaining it in engagement with the surface of said article during the transfer period, means for rocking said carrier from said one side to its other side against said article to provide a rockin contact between said carrier and said article during said transferring engagement so that the other side portion of the carrier with the remaining portion of the decalcomania is caused to become progressively engaged with the surface of the article and the said one side 01' the carrier is caused to progressively break ofl pressing engagement with the article, and means for moving said carrier out of engagement with the article when said carrier has been rocked to the extremity of its said other side.

21. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to a moving article and also adapted to become engaged with the article, maintained in pressed engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, said carrier having a moistened decalcomania supporting surface for engagement with an article, means for effecting initial transferring engagement between said carrier and said article so that the forward side of the carrier is positioned against the article with the forward portion of the decalcomania in pressed engagement with the surface of the article, means for moving said carrier along with said moving article in a path of movement parallel thereto and maintaining it in engagement with the surface of said article during the transfer period, means for rocking said carrier from its forward side to its rearward side against said article to provide a rocking contact between said carrier and said article during said transferring engagement so that the rearward side portion of the carrier with the rearward portion of the decalcomania is caused to become progressively engaged with the surface of the article and the said forward side of the carrier is caused to progressively break off pressing engagement with the article, and means for effecting disengagement between said carrier and the article when said carrier has been rocked to the extremity of its rearward side.

22. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a decalcomania for application to a moving article and to become engaged with the article, maintained in pressed engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, and said carrier having a moistened and rounded decalcomania supporting surface for engagement with said article, means for effecting initial transferring engagement between said carrier 'and said article so that the forward side of the rounded carrier surface is positioned against the article with the forward portion of the decalcomania in pressed engagement with the surface of the article, means for moving said carrier along with said moving article in a path of movement parallel thereto and maintaining it in engagement with the surface of said article during the transfer period, means for rocking the rounded surface of said carrier from its forward side to its rearward side against said article to provide a rocking contact between said carrier and said article during said transferring engagement so that the 21 rearward portion of the rounded carrier surface with the rearward portion of the decalcomania is caused to become progressively engaged with the surface of the article and the said forward side of the carrier is caused to progressively break off pressing engagement with the article,

and means for effecting disengagement between said carrier and the article when said carrier has been rocked to the rearward extremity of its rounded surface.

23. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movabfe carrier adapted to carry a sheet bearing a plurality of decalcomanias and to become initially engaged with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, the said decalcomanias being arranged on the sheet on the carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said article and the said carrier also being adapted to be moved across the path of movement of the article, means for effecting initial engagement between said carrier and said moving article, one of said. decalcomanias being in aligned position on the carrier for engagement with the article, means for moving and mainfor effecting return movement of said carrier to initial position, and means for effecting movement of said carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said moving article when the carrier is out of article-engaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned position for engagement with an article.

24. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable carrier adapted to carry a plurality of decalcomanias for successive application to said article and also adapted to become initially engaged with the moving article, maintained in constant engagement therewith during the transfer period and then disengaged therefrom, means for effecting engagement between said carrier and said moving article, means for moving and maintaining said carrier in transferring engagement with said article during the transfer period, means for effecting disengagement between said carrier and said moving article, and means operably connected with said moving article and also operably connected in driving relation to all of the above said means and carrier whereby said machine is driven by the article as the article moves relative to the machine.

25. A machine for applying decalcomanias to an article comprising a movable decalcomania carrier, means pivotally supporting said carrier, a plurality of decalcomania holders mounted on said carrier in spaced relationship, and adapted to be moved into operable position for engagement with said article, releasable locking means for locking said carrier in a plurality of pivoted positions and adapted to be released to permit rotation of said carrier whereby each of the holders may be brought successively into operable position for engagement with the article, means for effecting transferring engagement between said carrier and said article, means for maintaining said carrier in constant'transferring engagement with said article, and means for effecting disengagement between said carrier and said article.

26. In a decalcomania applying machine, a movable decalcomania carrier comprising means for pivotally supporting said carrier, a plurality of decalcomania holders mounted on said carrier in spaced relationship and adapted to be moved into operable position for engagement with an article, releasable locking means for locking the carrier in a plurality of pivoted positions and adapted to be released to permit rotation of the carrier whereby each of the decalcomania holders gray be brought successively into operable posion. v

27. A machine for applying decalcomanias to a moving article comprising a movable carrier having an absorbent member adapted to be moistened and to closely engage and support a sheet of decalcomanias, means for supporting said absorbent member and retaining means adapted to engage andhold the sheet of decalcomanias in close engagement with said moistened member, the said decalcomanias being arranged on said carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said article and the said carrier also being adapted to be moved across the path of movement of the article, means for moving said carrier into initial position in transferring engagement with said moving article, one of said decalcomanias being in aligned position on the carrier for engagement with the article, means for moving and maintaining said carrier in constant transferring engagement with said moving article during the transfer period, means for moving said carrier out of engagement with said article in advanced position, means for returning said carrier for movement to initial position, and means for moving said carrier in a direction across the path of movement of said moving article'when the carrier is out of articleengaging position whereby another decalcomania may be brought into aligned operable position for engagement with an article.

JESSE D. KLOPFENSTEIN. HARRY c. RATHKE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,086,401 Richardson Feb. 10, 1914 1,759,712 Richardson May 20, 1930 2,117,618 Malocsay May 17, 1938 I FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 513,437 Great Britain Oct, 12, 1939 

